Yes, this has happened to me too. My tinnitus has gone from about 4.5/10 in intensity/annoyance to about 2.5/10 (I'm at the 11-month mark of my recovery). For the most part, it is a minor annoyance now (often I barely notice it).

denial/acceptance of TBI
 

Hi Jamie,
My son sustained TBI following a motorcycle accident in Sept 2013, so its now 8 months ago. He never made a sound for 6 months, and then started trying to speak. He can say a few words, but his speech is inaudible most of the time. He communicates with his ipad by typing if we cannot make out the words. He is in a wheelchair as the right side of his body is not operating the same as the left. He can move his left side perfectly, but the right side is stiff and moves with difficulty. He is at home and receives physio, occupational and speech therapy. My problem is that even though he cannot get up and walk, and also obviously cannot speak properly, he keeps on saying that he can.. He has very bad short term memory and asks the same thing over and over again. He constantly calls me to ask the same question (he is 21). He forgets what happened a few minutes ago, the previous day etc. He cannot remember his accident at all. He can remember before that, but thereafter is non existent. He wants to go back to work, and the more I tell him he cant as he cannot walk, talk or drive, the more he gets angry and says that he can. I tell him that he needs to recover, and he says he has, that there is nothing wrong with him. He gets angry and frustrated very quickly, and then shouts, swears and shows the middle finger. I wonder if anyone else has experienced the same with their loved one, and has some advice on what to do, what to expect please. How do I get him to believe/accept that he is disabled at the moment and has to undergpo therapy to recover? I am stumped, and so sad for him!!

In two days I will be at 18 months. Parts of me are still in denial. Basic human instinct of hope? I'm not ready to let go of hope.

Facing what's happened or the results of it is different for everyone. My husband has no brain damage but has refused to go to the doctor after wheezing for two years. For him it was two years. Second appt this week.

I'd say men and women are different, the ailment makes a difference, how often on must see doctors makes a difference, and so on.

Good luck to you.

Peace and wellness,

Jace

Hi Sharon,

TBI is very difficult for caregivers. Bless all of you!

As you are finding with your son, TBI patients are not always aware of their true condition. He really thinks, despite the overwhelming evidence, that he is his old self. When you tell him he can't go back to work, etc..., he is genuinely bewildered by your response. He probably thinks you're crazy.

It sounds like you're doing a lot of great things for your son. What are you doing for yourself?

I can't urge you strongly enough to join a caregivers' support group and to talk to your doctor about getting you some respite care, etc... It is NOT selfish to think about your own health. In addition to your son needing you fit and strong, you are a person, if your own right.